NRL.com predict most exciting rookies

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The team at NRL.com predict which rookies will most likely feature in 2017.

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SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Most Exciting: A product of the all-conquering Panthers NYC team, Braidon Burns is one of the most promising centres coming through the ranks. The 20-year-old crossed for 20 tries from 20 appearances last season, highlighted by a five-try haul against the Warriors in Round 10. Burns also had 12 try assists in 2016, broke 55 tackles and scored a try in his side's heartbreaking grand final loss.

Special Mention: Phoenix Hunt. He might be one of the smallest players in the competition (166cm) but the nimble No.9 can be a nightmare for opposition defences.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Most Exciting: Could JTS be the next RTS? It would be unfair on Johnny to compare him to his brother Roger, but the younger Tuivasa-Sheck is starting to live up to the hype. With 29 tries from 49 appearances over the past two NYC seasons, the winger has shown he has no trouble finding the line. Furthering his claims for an NRL berth were his match-winning tries against the Dragons in the preliminary final, and then a week later against the Panthers in the Holden Cup decider.

Special Mention: Brock Gray. The former Rabbitoh – and younger brother of Aaron Gray – is a workhorse in the back row who has more than enough talent to slot into the NRL squad.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Most Exciting: Blessed with arguably the best name in rugby league, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has excelled everywhere his rugby league journey has taken him. Two impressive seasons with the Storm in the NYC saw him named the club's Back of the Year in 2014. The 21-year-old has already represented the Cook Islands, scoring the opening try in their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon. He is also eligible to play for New Zealand and Norway, and was named at centre in the Intrust Super Premiership Team of the Year in 2016.

Special Mention: Having already represented Samoa at Test level, it won't be long until Erin Clark gets a crack in the NRL. The talented playmaker spent time at five-eighth and lock in the NYC last season but can also play halfback or hooker.

WESTS TIGERS

Most Exciting: Fresh from a phenomenal first year in the Holden Cup, Taniela Paseka has been promoted to Jason Taylor's extended first-grade squad for 2017. Still only 19-years-old, Paseka is listed at 199cm and 124kg and is still eligible for the NYC. The powerhouse prop forward ran for 2,411 metres last season, scored five tries, broke 74 tackles and played for the Junior Blues in the under-20s State of Origin. His strong work-ethic saw him named the club's Holden Cup Player's Player and Coaches' Player of the Year and he's now on track to take the next step in his already exciting career.

Special Mention: Watson Heleta. After graduating from the NYC through to NSW Cup in 2016, the try-scoring utility back is a strong chance to make his NRL debut.